Reshaping historic buildings : post-war reconstruction and conservation practices in Germany

Abstract

After the Second World War, Germany was a defeated nation and in a state of devastation and disorder. Many cities and towns had a significant amount of damage and the people of Germany were faced with :he momentous task of rebuilding the entire country. There were many post-war tasks, one being to reconstruct the destroyed and damaged buildings from the Second World War. The aim of this research is to examine German post-war reconstruction of historic buildings. Different approaches to post-war reconstruction and conservation are examined. Attitudes towards post-war reconstruction will be analysed to understand hew these evolved during the years. The methodology consisted of two key phases of research. Firstly, a range of reconstruction approaches was to be investigated. Secondly, two cases were chosen for detailed investigation, to examine how these post- war reconstructions and attitudes towards them evolved over the years. A wide range of different post-war reconstruction solutions is identified. The reasons for this variety are examined, and a number of key explanatory factors are identified. Research on post-war reconstruction revealed three types of reconstruction response: historic reconstruction, replacement with modern buildings, and a hybrid comprising a spectrum of solutions that mixed these two approaches. The contention between these alternative approaches to reconstruction is testimony to a struggle between modernist solutions and a more historic approach. It is argued that, in later years, the people of Germany continued to critically re-assess post-war reconstructions. Changing perspectives brought about the opportunity to modify or replace some post-war buildings and address their perceived shortcomings.